Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.

As he was in the summer, the Spain international has again been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after failing to hold down a first team place under Jose Mourinho.

The two times Blues Player of the Year displayed his frustration after being substituted in the New Year’s Day victory over Southampton, and now Mourinho has opened the door for his possible departure.

Should Mata move to Real, it could pave the way for Angel Di Maria to secure a move to the Premier League, with both Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly keen on signing the Argentina international.

Meanwhile, another midfielder who could be on his way out of the Bernabeu is former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso, who could secure a cut-price return to England this month, the Mirror understands.

The 32 year old is yet to sign a new deal with the La Liga giants, and has been linked with both a return to Anfield and a move to Stamford Bridge, where he would again link up with the man he played under for three seasons in Spain.